July FSO - Paddle to Calico Rock

July 2, 2022
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

DRBA’s First Saturday Outing on July 2, 2022 will be a four-mile paddle on the lake in Franklin County, Virginia, from Ryan’s Branch Recreation Area to Calico Rock. Philpott Lake is a blue gem, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounded by forested shores. Coordinator for the paddle is Wayne Kirkpatrick, DRBA board member and avid kayaker.

According to Kirkpatrick, “The lake is always beautiful with deep, clear water. After launching at Ryan’s Branch, we will turn north under Union Bridge and follow the shoreline on the right. After paddling the first mile, leaving the main channel of the lake,” Kirkpatrick continues, “the right shoreline gets steeper, and paddlers are rewarded with an enormous rock wall rising some 200 feet from the lake. Called Calico Rock, this unique outcropping is made up of a mixture of minerals ranging from light to dark in color. The resulting spotted or mottled appearance resembles calico cloth, hence its name.”

To enjoy early morning cool temperatures, participants will meet at 9 a.m. at the Ryan’s Branch launch on Fairy Stone Park Road. (GPS 36.850780, -80.100160) To reach the Ryan’s Branch Recreational Area launch from U.S. 220, exit onto VA 57A West toward Fieldale/Bassett. Continue on VA 57 (Fairystone Park Hwy) for 13 miles. Turn right onto VA 346 (Fairystone Lake Drive) for 0.5 mile. Turn left onto Fairystone Farm Lane for 0.1 mile. Continue onto Union Bridge Road (Route 623) for five miles. After Route 623 crosses Union Bridge, it becomes Fairy Stone Park Road. The destination is on the right.

DRBA has a unique, award-winning partnership with the US Army Corps of Engineers at Philpott Lake. DRBA works to increase trails and recreational opportunities at the lake, which straddles Patrick, Henry, and Franklin counties.

Participants in the outing are asked to dress in layers of quick-drying fabric, to expect to get wet, to provide boat, paddles, life jacket for each boater, lunch and water, and to sign a waiver.

FOR SAFETY, AND TO RESPECT OUTING PARTICIPANTS, you are encouraged to be vaccinated and wear a mask even outdoors if you are at high risk. NOTE: Since guidelines may vary, visit www.danriver.org by Friday, July 1, 2022 to determine whether the outing will be held.

Outings and meetings of the Dan River Basin Association are open to the public without charge.

For more information about the outing, contact Wayne Kirkpatrick, wynbtyk@embarqmail.com or 540-570-3511.